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How to get fromSydney to Cairns Centralby plane, train, bus (Greyhound), car, or bus

Find Transport to Cairns Central

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There are 5 ways to get from Sydney to Cairns Central by plane, train, bus (Greyhound), car, or bus

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly

    best
    1. Fly from Sydney International Airport (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane SYD - CNS
    5h 59m
    $148–572

  2. Train

    1. Take the train from Central Station to Roma Street Stationtrain train 31
    2. Take the train from Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationtrain train Spirit of Queensland
    40h 30m
    $240–6,749

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Central Station to Brisbanebus bus Brisbane
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane Coach Terminal to Cairnsbus bus Au050 / ...
    43h 1m
    $409–760

  4. Drive 2,398.1 km

    1. Drive from Sydney to Cairns Centralcar car 2,398.1 km
    27h 42m
    $430–621

  5. Bus via Chatswood

    1. Take the bus from Chatswood to Brisbanebus bus Pm12
    2. Take the bus from Brisbane Roma Street to Cairns Central Stationbus bus Pm16
    2d 1h
    $343–504

Sydney to Cairns Central by train and foot

Calendar2Weekly Services
Duration40h 30mAverage Duration
Ticket$240Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Sydney to Cairns Central.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,992.7 km
  • Duration: 5h 59m

What companies run services between Sydney, NSW, Australia and Cairns Central, QLD, Australia?

Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Qantas fly from Sydney International Airport (SYD) to Cairns (CNS) every 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Central Station to Cairns Central via Roma Street Station, Roma Street, and Cairns Central Station in around 40h 30m.

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